Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower or bachelor's button, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Europe. In the past, it often grew as a weed in cornfields, hence its name. It is now endangered in its native habitat by agricultural intensification, particularly by over-use of herbicides. However, Centaurea cyanus is now also naturalised in many other parts of the world, including North America and parts of Australia through introduction as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a seed contaminant in crop seeds.
Centaurea cyanus
Centaurea cyanus (introduced species) near Peshastin, Chelan County, Washington
A honey bee on a cornflower
Raw cornflower petals used as a dessert decoration ingredient on strawberry ice cream
The European goldfinch or simply the goldfinch is a small passerine bird in the finch family that is native to Europe, North Africa and western and central Asia. It has been introduced to other areas, including Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay.
European goldfinch
C. c. caniceps Himachal Pradesh, India
C. c. carduelis Sweden
C. c. niediecki Cyprus